{"id":14931,"date":"2026-03-12T09:29:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T09:29:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/projects\/parzell-qualitative-and-quantitative-pfas-analysis-in-realistic-pem-electrolysis-and-fuel-cell-operation\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T13:12:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T13:12:16","slug":"parzell-qualitative-and-quantitative-pfas-analysis-in-realistic-pem-electrolysis-and-fuel-cell-operation","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/en\/projects\/parzell-qualitative-and-quantitative-pfas-analysis-in-realistic-pem-electrolysis-and-fuel-cell-operation\/","title":{"rendered":"PARZELL: Qualitative and quantitative PFAS analysis in realistic PEM electrolysis and fuel cell operation"},"content":{"rendered":"
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PARZELL: Qualitative and quantitative PFAS analysis in realistic PEM electrolysis and fuel cell operation<\/h1>\n

The development of a climate-neutral hydrogen economy brings with it new environmental issues as well as technological opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The PARZELL research project is therefore investigating the release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)<\/strong> from membrane electrode assemblies (MEA)<\/strong> of proton exchange membrane electrolysers (PEMWE) and proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). The aim is to systematically measure and evaluate PFAS emissions under realistic operating conditions and to reduce them in the long term. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Realistic investigation of PFAS emissions in hydrogen systems<\/h2>\n

Materials containing PFAS, in particular ion-conducting ionomers and membranes, have so far been key components of these hydrogen technologies. At the same time, PFAS are increasingly becoming the focus of regulatory discussions due to their high persistence, possible environmental accumulation and health risks. PARZELL is therefore developing robust methods for sampling and analysing PFAS emissions on a laboratory scale and testing them with commercial and self-produced MEAs. <\/p>\n

One focus is on dynamic load profiles under realistic conditions<\/strong>. For PEMWE, these are based on electricity from wind and photovoltaic systems, for PEMFC on driving profiles based on the Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool (VECTO). Gas and liquid phases are investigated in order to comprehensively record emission paths and possible accumulation effects. To this end, the project combines specially adapted sampling methods with customised analytics. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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From sampling to emission reduction<\/h2>\n

The sampling setup is first developed for a PEMWE cell and then transferred to a PEMFC test stand. In addition, PARZELL is evaluating initial approaches for reducing or eliminating detected PFAS emissions, for example through electrochemical decomposition or adsorption processes. This work is carried out within the framework of utilisation and application options (vAW)<\/strong> and creates a basis for new technical solutions for reducing emissions in hydrogen technologies. <\/p>\n

In addition, the project is developing mathematical correlations between the operating conditions of PEM electrolysers and the type and quantity of PFAS detected. The aim is to better predict possible PFAS fragments during operation in the future. The results create a scientifically sound basis for environmental assessments<\/strong>, low-emission products and the long-term minimisation of PFAS emissions. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Practical research with companies<\/h2>\n

By involving small and medium-sized companies from the fields of MEA production, coating, analytics and PFAS removal, PARZELL combines research and application. The project thus supports the sustainable further development of the hydrogen economy<\/strong> and helps to address regulatory requirements at an early stage. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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The figure shows the detection of PFAS in the product water of three fuel cell vehicles (FCEV 1-3):<\/strong> The measured concentrations of various PFAS are shown; the red bars show the respective total amount of all PFAS detected. For a better overview, only values above 0.005 \u00b5g\/L are shown. S<\/em> stands for sample, C<\/em> for cathode and A<\/em> for anode. According to Lange et al., 2025<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Project information<\/h2>\n

Project title:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Qualitative and quantitative PFAS analysis in realistic PEM electrolysis and fuel cell operation: environmental relevance and derivation of measures (PARZELL)<\/p>\n

Project partners:<\/strong><\/p>\n